243,690. That’s how many hours volunteers worked at Orlando Health last year, and that’s a lot—an average of 667 hours per day. A hospital the size of Orlando Regional Medical Center has an extensive staff, and we are fortunate to have a dedicated corps of over 300 active volunteers to help complete a variety of needed tasks.
“Volunteers serve an important role to the Orlando Health organization because they have the capability of completing tasks that enhance our patient experience ,” explains Hayley Brown, Manager of Volunteer Services and Patient Experience at Orlando Regional Medical Center, UF Health Cancer Center and Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute.
Volunteers help with clerical jobs, restock supplies, answer phones and patient call buttons, discharge patients and many other responsibilities that let team members focus on the patients themselves and other efforts that promote a positive patient experience.
Volunteers serve throughout the Orlando Health System in:
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Transportation
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Nursing Units
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Patient Access
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Corporate offices
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Food and Nutrition
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Guest Services
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Occupational Health
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Pet Therapy
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Chemotherapy Lunches
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High Tea
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Information Services
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Conference Services
Volunteers support patients, families, staff, operations and assist with community health events. With the variety of opportunities, volunteers can find something specific that appeals to their interest. Many volunteers have aspirations of going into the medical field one day, so volunteering provides a close-up and hands on experience of the profession.
Some volunteers are former patients of Orlando Health and want to volunteer as a way of “giving back,” Brown says. In some cases, former patients may want to provide support to current patients who share similar experiences.
Even as volunteers are enthusiastic about giving their time and talents to Orlando Health, those volunteers may get even more in return than they expect.
Benefits of volunteering
The Corporation for National & Community Service, a federal agency, found impressive health benefits that were associated with volunteerism.
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People who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability and lower depression later in life than those who don’t volunteer.
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Older volunteers receive greater benefits from volunteering.
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Those who volunteer 100 hours per year are most likely to get the greatest benefits.
At Orlando Health, volunteers are deeply appreciated by staff at every level of the organization, says Brown. “Our volunteers are treated as equals by the team members at Orlando Health, and that’s because our CEO, David Strong, sets the tone for their level of importance to the organization. Everyone within these walls treats them with the respect they deserve, and that’s one of the main reasons why our Volunteer Program is such a success at Orlando Health.”
Brown adds that the spirit and dedication of the volunteers is also key. “I am so grateful for the time our volunteers so selflessly give to the Orlando Health organization. They are willing to do whatever is asked, and no task is too great or too small. They exercise flexibility continuously, and often strive to go above and beyond what is expected of them during their regular shift. Many services offered by the hospital would not be made possible without the ongoing assistance of our volunteers. We love our volunteers!”
Are you interested in a career at Orlando Health?
Serving 1.8 million Central Florida residents, Orlando Health is one of Central Florida’s largest employers. This is where you can find a career with a family of caregivers – each focused on helping our patients. No matter your role, you’ll play a part in providing patient-focused care in a supportive, encouraging environment.
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